Central Frontenac Celebrates New Outdoor Rink Thanks to OTF Grant

Dec 20, 2023

On Monday, local MPP John Jordan met with Mayor Fran Smith, staff and committee members to celebrate the unveiling of the new Sharbot Lake Outdoor rink. This new space was made possible thanks to a $93,400 Capital grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).

“Coming together in sports has always been a lifeline for rural residents of every age in our riding. Our government’s investment of 93, 400 addresses the very real need for opportunities to get out and enjoy the benefits of exercise and social interaction.” said John Jordan, MPP for Lanark—Frontenac—Kingston. “This new outdoor rink is a blank page for local leagues, sporting events and tournaments. The ball is in your court – so have fun and enjoy the results of your hard work as you keep recreational activities at the forefront for the residents of Sharbot Lake and Central Frontenac!”

The grant, first awarded in November of 2022, helped address a need in the community for more outdoor spaces by funding the construction of a new outdoor sports-court that will increase access to activities and programs by improving an underutilized space within the community and the Township of Central Frontenac.

"The impact of this Ontario Trillium Foundation grant cannot be overstated,” said Fran Smith, Mayor of the Township of Central Frontenac. “This grant has allowed for the revitalization of an underused space in our community which will help the residents of Sharbot Lake to stay engaged and active.”

The Ontario Trillium Foundation’s (OTF) mission is to build healthy and vibrant communities across Ontario. As an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations, last year, OTF invested over $110M into 1,022 community projects and partnerships. Visit otf.ca to learn more.

(Editors note – even though the ceremony took place this week, the grant was allocated over 12 months ago, and was earmarked for the rink and boards. The new roof for the rink, which is built but waiting for be lifted into place, was not supported by the grant. It was built and is being installed using entirely volunteer labour, under supervision from the District 3 Recreation Committee’s rink subcommittee.)